Chicago is one of the most litigious cities in the country, and for good reason — its busy expressways, dense construction zones, high-rise medical centers, and major transportation corridors generate a significant volume of serious injury cases every year. For residents and visitors who are harmed due to someone else’s negligence, the difference between a fair outcome and a devastating one often comes down to the quality of legal representation they secure.
The firms below represent some of the strongest options in the city heading into 2026. Whether you are dealing with a catastrophic accident, a medical error, or the loss of a loved one, each of these practices brings the experience, resources, and track record to fight for the outcome you deserve.
1. Clifford Law Offices
Clifford Law Offices is Chicago’s largest personal injury law firm and one of the most recognized in the U.S. Founded in 1984 by Robert A. Clifford, who has been named Illinois’ top lawyer by Super Lawyers for 13 years, the firm has won over $5 billion for clients. It is the only Chicago firm in The National Law Journal’s Top 50 “America’s Elite Trial Lawyers” and recognized as one of the Top 10 Litigation Boutiques.
The firm handles cases including aviation accidents, medical malpractice, product liability, and wrongful death. Clifford Law has represented families in nearly every major airline crash in the U.S. in the past 40 years, including current work in the Boeing 737 Max8 case. With over 20 attorneys and a multilingual support team, the firm combines strong resources with a focus on client care.
Website: https://www.cliffordlaw.com/
2. Willens & Baez
Willens & Baez has a unique edge in personal injury cases in Chicago due to its founding attorneys’ backgrounds in insurance. Matthew Willens was an executive at an insurance company, and David Baez defended these companies. Their experience gives them insight into how insurers assess claims. The firm has over 27 years of experience and has recovered more than $500 million for clients in Illinois.
They handle car, truck, motorcycle, and bicycle accidents, slip and falls, dog bites, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, workplace injuries, brain injuries, and wrongful death cases. Matthew Willens has been recognized as a Super Lawyer since 2012 and has spoken at legal seminars. One case he worked on was among the Top 100 Verdicts in the country.
They work on a contingency fee basis, so clients only pay if they win, and they offer free consultations.
3. Goldberg & Goldberg
Goldberg & Goldberg is a prominent plaintiff’s law firm in Chicago, established in 1967. The firm has won over 200 cases, each worth more than $1 million, and has recovered over $1 billion for clients in 25 states. One of its largest achievements is a $127 million verdict in a drug liability case, the biggest personal injury verdict in Illinois for over 25 years.
The firm specializes in medical malpractice and serious personal injury cases, including obstetrical negligence, birth injuries, and wrongful death. Partner Ian R. Alexander has been involved in key national aviation and mass disaster cases. They offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you win.
4. Schwartz Jambois
Schwartz Jambois is a personal injury law firm in Chicago with over 75 years of combined experience and billions recovered for clients. Founding partners Allen Schwartz and Steven Jambois are recognized as Illinois Super Lawyers, with Schwartz achieving this for 20 consecutive years. The firm has multiple offices in Illinois, including Chicago, Orland Park, Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn, Arlington Heights, Rockford, Joliet, and Peoria.
They handle car and truck accidents, medical malpractice, nursing home negligence, product liability, serious injuries, wrongful death, and construction accidents. With more than 25 attorneys, many with seven-figure verdicts, the firm can tackle complex cases while staying accessible to clients. They offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis.
5. Hilliard Law
Hilliard Law is a prominent trial firm founded in 1985, with offices in Chicago and Corpus Christi. The firm is recognized for winning significant cases against powerful corporations, including a $310 million verdict for Tyre Sampson’s family and a $33 million verdict for a child injured by a golf cart.
They handle personal injury, medical negligence, mass torts, class actions, nursing home abuse, industrial accidents, wrongful death, and commercial disputes. Clients from the U.S. and Mexico choose Hilliard Law for complex cases against well-resourced opponents. Attorneys are available 24/7, and they offer free consultations.
6. Cavanagh Sorich Law Group
Cavanagh Sorich Law Group, founded in 1997 by Timothy J. Cavanagh, is known for its success in major injury cases in Illinois, recovering nearly $1 billion for clients. This includes a record $104 million verdict in a road construction case, a $55 million verdict against Canadian National Railroad, and a $50 million settlement for a railroad injury.
The firm handles medical malpractice, wrongful death, and various types of accident cases. With a 98% success rate and recognition from Best Law Firms and Super Lawyers, they are available to clients 24/7. They work on a contingency fee basis and offer free consultations.
7. Hurley McKenna & Mertz, P.C.
Hurley McKenna & Mertz, P.C. is a Chicago law firm with over 100 years of combined experience. They believe every client deserves strong and honest support, not just a quick settlement. Founded in 1992 by well-known trial lawyer Christopher T. Hurley, the firm is respected for helping plaintiffs in the Midwest. Partner Mark McKenna has won over $130 million for clients, while partner Michael Mertz has recovered more than $150 million.
The firm handles medical malpractice, personal injury, vehicle accidents, product liability, nursing home abuse, and wrongful death cases. They are known for being trial-ready, attracting referrals from other top attorneys. All consultations are free, and they work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you win.
Chicago Has World-Class Legal Talent — Make Sure It’s on Your Side
Whether you have been injured in a car crash on the Kennedy Expressway, harmed by a medical error at a Chicago-area hospital, or lost a loved one in a catastrophic accident, you do not have to navigate the claims process alone.
All seven firms on this list offer free consultations, take cases on a contingency fee basis, and have proven track records of fighting — and winning — for the people of Chicago. Take advantage of those free consultations and find the team that is right for your case.
